William Smith High School

Ryan Clapp: Social Sciences

Ryan grew up in Connecticut, then lived and worked outside the US for several years before making his way to Colorado. He's fortunate to be able to work with William Smith students on the same projects he pursues outside the classroom; outdoor adventure, local civic engagement and language learning. Ryan is a former backpacking guide and avid rock climber, and now some of his former students are too! He continues to work with Aurora City Council and the Aurora Public Schools Board of Education on policies around housing affordability and racial equity in access. In a past life Ryan lived and worked in Cercedilla, Spain, and Chengdu, Sichuan Province in China. He speaks English, Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, and French.

Email: [email protected]

Ryan Clapp

Ashley Ely

Ashley Ely: Social Sciences

Ashley is proud to say that she was born and raised in Colorado. She graduated from Colorado Christian University with a degree in History and Education. While in school, Ashley had the opportunity to serve as a Senator for the student government for a non-profit inner-city tutoring organization. Before she started teaching, Ashley worked at Apple, helping with store operations and employee training. She knew something bigger was calling her back to the world of education. Ten years later, she knew this was the right move. Ashley believes in WSHS and absolutely loves her crew! Ashley lives in Aurora with her husband and two kids attending APS schools. She enjoys biking around town, paddle boarding, hiking, and hanging out on her porch with a good book.

Email: [email protected]

Jovan Mays: Social Sciences

Jovan was born and is still being raised here in Aurora. He went to Chadron State College in western Nebraska to pursue a degree in History and Education while continuing his career as a football player and wrestler. Jovan has a diverse background in working with youth in many capacities and communities, from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to the United Embassy in New Delhi, India. In 2010, he started his poetry in the schools program, Your Writing Counts, which has engaged over 2 million students throughout the Denver metro area and beyond. He is the first Poet Laureate of Aurora, Colorado, a National Poetry Slam champion, a TED speaker, and a published author. Before coming to William Smith, Mays served as the Youth Voice Coordinator of Aurora Public Schools. He is a wrestling coach at his alma mater, Smoky Hill, and in the rare moments when he's not working, he enjoys migration chasing, live music, and building with his communities, and loving what he fights for while fighting for what he loves. 

Email: [email protected]

Jovan Mays

Jose Melendez

Jose Melendez: Social Sciences, Technology & Practical Arts

Jose Melendez was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he lived until 5th grade. His family immigrated to California and then Colorado, where he graduated from Hinkley High School. After attending college out of state, he taught Social Studies at Aurora Central High School for 9 years, Rangeview High School for 12 years and then made his way to the best high school in Aurora, William Smith.

Jose has two grown children in their twenties and when not working or hanging out with family, you can find him doing one of his many hobbies: home improvement; working on mowers, tractors or cars; building things; watching YouTube DIY videos; playing Minecraft or many more!

Email: [email protected]